In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 30 Cedars-Sinai breast cancer patients were treated to a Saturday of pampering at the sixth annual Breast Center Spa Day.

The day brings together patients from all walks of life and gives them an opportunity to bond over their shared experiences.

“There are about 30 women there in different stages of treatment and recovery and getting to meet everyone is a real treat,” said patient Catherine Gwynn. “The sisterhood of breast cancer is quite powerful.“

For breast cancer survivor and busy mom Elsie Flores, the day was a relaxing getaway.

"It's so wonderful to have this," she said. "I hardly have time for me, so it feels extra special to take the day off."

Patients enjoyed facials, massages, paraffin wax treatments, and makeup application from our friends at Lipstick Angels. Guests had breakfast and lunch, learned the "10 commandments for optimal breast health" from nutritionist Rachel Beller, and took home gift bags packed with skincare products courtesy of sponsors iS Clinical.

Nurse practitioner Sherry Goldman brought the idea of Spa Day to Cedars-Sinai 6 years ago. Sherry wanted the day to provide patients with an opportunity to focus on themselves, outside of their cancer diagnosis.

"Patients can get so focused on the medical mind set," said Sherry. "This is a great way for them to feel alive again and journey into the next part of their lives."

Many of the patients who participate in Spa Day are either at the end of treatment or have recently finished treatment. For some, the day marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next.

"Breast cancer as a diagnosis is very overwhelming for patients," said Dr. Farin Amersi, breast cancer surgical oncologist. "There's a big emotional component to what our patients go through and Spa Day has been a huge part of healing and recovery."